[S.R.]

<B>2003 Saab 9-3</B><P> <IMG SRC="http://www.aftonbladet.se/bil/0204/27/NYHETER-27s18saab4B_368.jpg"> <P>Here is the first unofficial picture of the new Saab 9-3. Personally, I think that it looks great and very handsome, but it seems to have lost some of its uniqueness. Finally, Saab should have something that competes well with the 3-Series, A4-Range, C-Class, and S60-Series. Hopefully, more info & pics to come soon... <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/smile.gif"><P><B>4-Cylinder Engine Range:</B><P>1.8t 150hp <BR>2.0t 175hp <BR>2.0t (Aero) 210hp <BR>2.2TiD 125hp<P><B>Trim levels:</B><BR>Linear, Arc, Vector and Aero <P><B>Gearbox Choices:</B> 5 and 6-Speed Manual/Automatic. Later F1 Semiautomatic Paddle Shifter.<P>-Drew

 

[[email protected]]

That looks really nice. Too bad they still haven't announced an AWD system.

 

[javadoc]

Drew,<P>I does look very nice. Do you know if the rear is a sedan or traditional hatch? My '86 9000T had a hatch that sort of resembled a sedan boot. That car was so versatile in this way. At any rate, this 9-3 looks great, it's growing up and looks very handsome in this profile shot.<P>I'd love to see a Haldex awd version with some serious ponies, much more than 210. (And hopefully they kept the unique ignition key positioning.)<P>/Scott

 

[TurboMike2.4T]

Very Nice.Will there be a coupe available and or a hatchback.Like the side profile and the wheel's.I hear Saab sale's are up nicely.<P>Big Mike<BR>2002 S60 2.4T Cosmos Blue,Premium Pkg,17-INCH Tethy's Wheel's.

 

[anony00gt]

Give the Aero an AWD (or RWD) system with the F1 style paddle shifter, and I'd roll in it <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/cool.gif"><P>

 

[S.R.]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by javadoc:<BR><B>Drew,<P>It does look very nice. Do you know if the rear is a sedan or traditional hatch? <BR>/Scott</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>This picture just came out yesterday, so the initial info is pretty limited. The car pictured above is actually a 'sedan' with a traditional trunk. I am not sure if Saab is even going to produce a hatchback, but I will post more info as it comes.<P>Haldex AWD is coming for sure, but if Saab is smart, I am guessing we will be seeing a wagon and a coupe version of this car, but I am not exactly sure what there plans are for the 9-3 range of cars.<P>-Drew

 

[tismfu]

It will have Bluetooth so you can communicate with your laptop (for MP3s, I assume) and cellphone. ESP will be available as will a navigation system. They start production on the 8th of July.<P>For 2004 they will have sedan, wagon, and convertible variants.<p>[This message has been edited by tismfu (edited 04-28-2002).]

 

[MoMo]

Official Pics!!!<BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02013_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02010_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02011_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02007_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02006_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02012_low.jpg"> <BR>For more info, go to <A HREF="http://www.saab-romania.ro/noul93.xml" TARGET=_blank>http://www.saab-romania.ro/noul93.xml</A>

 

[turboale]

The headlights look mildly like the new A4 head on... But I really like it!! Though I hope GM will know their place and not make it too cheap.<P>

 

[Mangomango]

After GM took over, are they still as fun to drive as before?

 

[deleonl1]

No Hatch!? <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/frown.gif">

 

[GrecianVolvo]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MoMo:<BR><B>Official Pics!!!<BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02013_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02010_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02011_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02007_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02006_low.jpg"> <BR> <IMG SRC="http://www.saab-romania.ro/images/new93/02012_low.jpg"> <BR>For more info, go to <A HREF="http://www.saab-romania.ro/noul93.xml" TARGET=_blank>http://www.saab-romania.ro/noul93.xml</A> </B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><BR>Very nice, indeed (I can't believe I am equalizing "nice" and "Saab") but you know very well that only a single-digit percentage of the Saabs that will get sold in the US will have this nice trim. The rest will look like touched up GM cars somewhere between a POntiac and I don't know what else...<P>Yannis<BR><P>

 

[S.R.]

MoMo,<P>Thanks for the great pictures!<P>I really like everything about the new 9-3 as far as looks go, except for the front. It reminds me a little too much of a Saturn and other GM products.<P>The ECC looks like it was lifted from the 3-Series and there seems to be like a 60 buttons and knobs on the dashboard! Yikes! The steering wheel looks great though. It looks like the turbo versions get a boost gauge as well, a nice touch. I wish Volvo would do that.<P>-Drew